What a Spring!

I know, it's been a while.  A LOT has happened since my last post.  We had been thinking for a long time, that we would like to move to a highrise condo in downtown Fort Worth.  In February, Doc20 and I decided to put our house up for sale and see what would happen.  We spent a few weeks making a few repairs, painting, cleaning and de-cluttering and the house was for sale as of March 1.  We had an open house and several showings, lowered the price a bit after about 6 weeks and by the end of April we had a contract.  We found a condo we liked (on the 22nd floor) and made an offer.  We closed May 23rd on both properties and moved the next day. 

WOW!  What a spring!

We moved from a 3000 sq ft house to a 1550 sq ft condo.  Before we moved we had a big moving/estate sale and sold more that half our stuff.  It's kind of amazing how much stuff you have that isn't really needed.  We have on order several new pieces of furniture to better fit our new place, and had the Container Store come out and redo our closet with their Elfa system.  It just about tripled the amount of storage in the closet.  The kitchen has been a challenge, but I'm about to figure it out.

We now have a great view of the city and we're having a blast checking out new restaurants and shops here in downtown.

We also managed to fit in a big 3 year old birthday party for Toddler M.  He had a blast at his Cinco de Mayo party.  (He's on the left in the yellow shirt.)

 

We'll be going back for his little sister's first birthday in a month or so. 

She has been walking for about a month now and loves to play with her big brother.  No teeth yet, but she can gum anything! 

Orchids

As some of you know, I like orchids.  This is currently blooming at my house.  I don't think I've ever gotten this one to bloom before.  I think I like it.

Just Stuff

Since just before Christmas, I've been doing a lot of traveling.  We drove to Denver (via Kansas due to icy roads along our regular route) for Christmas with the grandkids.  We had a blast watching them open their gifts and playing with them in the snow.

After about a week, we left for home with a detour through Taos and Santa Fe for a couple of days. 

Also, during that same week, CareBear decided to change jobs and move from Portland to Philadelphia.  So, the first week in January, I flew to Portland to help her decide what to keep and what to sell and got everything ready for a huge estate sale.  She is moving to a much smaller place and decided to buy almost all new stuff.

The second week in January, my Mom and I flew to Denver to keep the grandkids while their Mom and Dad took a quick vacation to Mexico for some sun and sand. 

So now I'm home, keeping my nieces kids one or two days a week, trying to recover from a cold of some kind that has lasted for two weeks now.

We'll be back in Denver in about 3 weeks for Baby M's baby dedication and I'm sure I'll be in Philadelphia the first week in March to help CareBear unpack.  (Her apartment won't be ready until then). 

I'm tired.

Easier Said Than Done

Yesterday, we went to my sister's house for dinner.  My Mom wanted a picture with all of the great grandkids.  My professional photographer brother-in-law was there to take the "good" shots, but I had my camera for the amateur prospective.  It's not as easy as you'd think...

All were fed and dressed in the appropriate color coordinated outfit. 

Children and babies were positioned...

Bribes were made...

Smiles were requested...

 And,

a good time...

was had by most.

Car knitting

I was recently informed that Toddler M had out-grown all of his hats from last year (baby sis might need one, too).  Since this was their backyard this weekend...

I did some knitting in the car on the way to the football game in Lubbock this weekend.

Hopefully, warm ears will be coming soon!

Long time, no type.

It's been much longer than I intended since my last post.  We've been pretty busy.  For one thing, it's now football season and trips to Lubbock tend take up our weekend time.  I've made a few trips to Denver -- one a road trip with my Mom that included a detour through Santa Fe.  There was lots of food and shopping done there.

Doc20 made a quick trip to Portland to visit CareBear and had a great time.

Lots of knitting has been done.  (Mostly for babies!)  Miss Bird is expecting the arrival of her new baby brother any day now.

Linz came to visit with both of our grandkids.  Toddler M and Miss Bird had a great time playing together.

We took a short day trip to Tyler to introduce the little sister to her Great Grandmother and to have lunch with her.

 And little sister tried on her new hat, hand knitted and given to her by one of my friends!  She loved it and can't wait for it to be cold enough to wear it out.
 

Now There Are Two.

I returned from Denver earlier this week after being there for a week and a half helping Linz with the new baby.  Madelyn is a very good, mostly calm baby.  But, she doesn't hesitate to let you know if she's hungry or needs a clean diaper.  She's a good sleeper - sleeping 5+ hours at a stretch at night.  She had already gained almost a pound from her leaving the hospital weight at her check-up when she was 12 days old.

Big brother, Mason, thinks she's pretty cute and loves to share his toys and cheese slices with her.

Mason had a great time while I was there, helping his Dad work in the yard, mow the grass,

and play on the Slip and Slide.  (Of course, his Dad had to demonstrate this skill for him.)

I can't wait to go back and visit again soon!